1999 PlayStation Holiday Buyers Guide: RPGs

The Year of the RPG In one of the biggest years of role-playing games ever in the history of games, RPGs on the PlayStation rule the roost. At least 11 RPGs hit the PlayStation this year, and 90% of them are spectacular, while only a few of them were disapointing.

Final Fantasy VIII Number #1: Square outdid itself by orchestrating seamless, over-the-top 3D graphics and a deep, mature story in this epic role-playing adventure. With Squall, Quistis, Zell, and Rinoa all play major parts in this four-disc game, complete with guardian forces, a huge menu and junction system, and battles galore.

Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete Number #2: Working Designs went all-out on the remake of its Sega CD classic by enhancing the already magnificent storyline and dropping it in a must-have package for RPG fans. Take the role of young Alex on his quest to become a Dragonmaster and save his dear Luna in compelling adventure for the ages. A beautiful overall package.

Grandia Number #3: The Sega Saturn RPG that never arrived in the US finally made it Westward courtesy of Sony and Game Arts. The huge, traditional-looking saga is complimented with an unusual battle and magic system. But it's the characters and storyline that will win you over.

Suikoden II Number #4: Despite a lackluster translation and no real damsel in distress to rescue, Konami brings back one of the system's oldest RPGs in grand style. Huge and filled with compelling, sincere characters, Suikoden 2 will have you playing for hours trying to find the 108 stars of destiny. It's old looking, but it's nonetheless brimming with storyline and great characters.

Final Fantasy Anthology Number #5: Square did an amazing, but minimal job with this collection of two great Super NES games, Final Fantasy V and VI. The graphics look just like they did back in the day, but thankfully the gameplay is the same too. New CG movies and an bonus music disc round off the deceptively generous package.

Steer Clear of...

Crave's Shadow Madness is a decent game, but it reeks of a faux Final Fantasy, and doesn't back it up with the gameplay, style, or story.

Sony's Legend of Legaia presents a nice idea, but it falls short in storyline longevity with an odd fighting scheme.